An Australian Formula One driver wants to take part in the forthcoming motor race to be held in Greater Noida in October from the Indian side in order to dedicate the event to his great grandparents who are natives of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Duvashen Padayachee, 21, has decided to drive his BMW car with the Indian flag and for this, he is seeking permission from the Indian Motorsports’ Clubs Federation.
Duvashen and his mother Salo Padayachee were in Gurgaon on Wednesday.
"I need to get a nod from the Australian Motorsports Federation. I have participated in a number of F1 races in Japan, Singapore, China, Indonesia, Malaysia and other countries where I have represented Australia. I was born and brought up there," said Duvashen.
"But the F1 event in India is different for me and my family and I have expressed my desire to participate in the Noida event under the Indian flag," said the ace F1 driver.
Duvashen said he has come to India for the first time and he did not want to miss the opportunity to connect to the culture and heritage of the country of his great grandparents.
His mother said that usually she or her husband accompanies Duvashen during his overseas tours.
{{/usCountry}}His mother said that usually she or her husband accompanies Duvashen during his overseas tours.
{{/usCountry}}"But this time, it is different. We also have our parents and grandparents accompanying Duvashen. We would also get the opportunity to visit Vellore in Tamil Nadu, our native place, and Kerala," said Salo who was wearing a saree and golden ornaments.